Combi Boiler Replacement - are thermostatic valves necessary?

PitRejection2359

Hi All,

My current very old Voker combi boiler in my rental property in Bristol is dying and needs to be replaced. I have a couple of quotes on the way, but the first one is already in.

The quote is quite reasonable, and from a highly recommended outfit that has been used by a number of friends. The only thing is that they have recommended putting thermostatic radiator valves on all the radiators (except the one in the hall where the programmable thermostat will go).

So the question is Do I really need them?

The house is an old terraced 2 storey house, with 4 bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and a lounge. It is not very big, but also not very well insulated so looses quite a lot of heat through draughts from the very gappy sash windows!!

I have written to the company who sent the quote for their opinion, but would like an independent voice too!

Any comments, especially from the resident plumbers and heating engineers would be greatly appreciated. Many TIA,

Cocksy.

PS. Sseeing as I'm posting this, I may as well ask another couple of questions!
The boiler they want to fit is a Worcester 30Si - can anyone let me know if this a good bit of kit? Google search seemed to say it was OK, and which said it is reasonable - anyone with any practical experience?
Also, are there any especially good programmable room thermostats, or ones to avoid. My quote doesn't have the make/model of the one they want to fit.
Cheers!

EliteHeat

cocksy_boy wrote: »

The only thing is that they have recommended putting thermostatic radiator valves on all the radiators (except the one in the hall where the programmable thermostat will go).

It shouldn't be a recommendation, it is a requirement under part "L" of building regs.

PitRejection2359

Ah, its a requirement. I didn't realise that, cheers!

Any thoughts on the boiler / programmable thermostat? Are the RF ones any good, or just a gimmick which require less wiring?!!!

EliteHeat

No they are not a gimmick, they work very well.

As for choice of boiler, almost all are better than Vokera - except of course the usual suspects; Saunier Duval, Biasi, Ravenheat, Ideal ICOS etc.

You won't go far wrong with a Vaillant - an 831 would be a good choice.

PitRejection2359

Thanks for the quick replies, I'll look into the valliant 831, and an RF programmable controller & thermostat!!

Are there any RF programmable controller thermostats you can recommend and which are the ones to avoid?! Cheeers!

BobProperty

My understanding is similar to Andrew-b's. To put it simply, the plumber has to point out the rules and offer to fit TRV's, thermostat, etc. but the customer has the choice and is entitled to turn down the advice.

EliteHeat

This is wrong. Are you seriously saying that I can install a replacement boiler but not bother to install a room thermostat? because that is what your reference implies.

If this were true, then what would be the advantage in installing high efficiency boilers if no further effort was made to capitalise on the efficiency gains? you may as well open all the windows when you turn the heating on.

roddydogs

For £325 an hour u should throw them in for free!

Canucklehead

Good morning: My OH refers to this document http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/uploads/documents/housingbuildings/ce30.pdf
and follows recommended Best Practice...his adherence to Building Regulations and Best Practice does make him more expensive then his 'colleagues' down here...he will not downgrade his quote other than selecting a less expensive boiler at the customer's request....all other details remain the same. As EliteHeat says, it doesn't make sense to cheapen the specification....false economy in the end and not moneysaving over the longterm.

HTH

Canucklehead

PitRejection2359

Morning guys! Thanks for all the info. I'll think I'll end up going with the TRVs - it seems to be best practice and the 'better' more efficient option!
Any thoughts on an RF thermostat? Cheers!

BobProperty

EliteHeat wrote: »

This is wrong. Are you seriously saying that I can install a replacement boiler but not bother to install a room thermostat? because that is what your reference implies.....

I don't believe what I've said is "wrong" per se and I'd agree with you that what you suggest would be a better and more efficient solution. What I am saying is you can't force it on the customer. If you swap a boiler or a radiator for instance, you can't force the customer to have TRV's put on their radiators. IIRC Part L effectively says you have to suggest it but the final choice is the customers. Note that the parts andrew-b quoted say "should" not "must".